‘Iraq target of West, Israel enmity’

Iran's Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani has denounced the recent terrorist attacks in Iraq as the upshots of the West and Israel’s animosity towards the sovereign Middle Eastern states.
Speaking to the press in the Iranian capital city, Tehran, on Thursday, Larijani pointed out that the West has never favored the progress, independence and promotion of justice in the regional Arab countries, adding, “The major reason one can perceive for these kinds of attacks is the enmity of the Western countries and Israeli regime.”
“Just as the other Muslim countries of the region, Iraq has always been exposed to terrorist attacks. We condemn such attacks and call on the Iraqi government to identify the perpetrators and deal with them firmly,” he added.
On Wednesday, Iraq experienced one of its bloodiest days after a spate of bombing and shooting attacks left at least 80 people dead and over 300 wounded across the country.
The attacks mainly targeted Muslim pilgrims as they were making their way to the shrine of Shia Imam Musa ibn Ja’far al-Kazem (PBUH) in the neighborhood of Kadhimiya to commemorate the anniversary of his martyrdom.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Larijani noted that such terrorist activities merely target the “innocent and defenseless people of Iraq” and argued that there is no liberation-seeking motivation behind such acts.
Explosions and shootings take place across Iraq on a regular basis, often targeting Shia-majority areas and local security forces.
According to an official figure released by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, a total of 132 Iraqis were killed in May, alone.
ASH/HJL/IS